Explore the history of a uniquely American art form: country music. From its deep and tangled roots in ballads, blues and hymns performed in small settings, to its worldwide popularity, learn how country music evolved over the course of the twentieth century. The series, directed by Ken Burns, features never-before-seen footage and photographs, plus interviews with more than 80 country music artists. No one has told the story this way before.

The Rub (Beginnings – 1933)

Sunday, Sept. 15, 8:00 pm

See how what was first called “hillbilly music” reaches new audiences through phonographs and radio, and launches the careers of country music’s first big stars, the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.

Hard Times (1933 – 1945)

Monday, Sept. 16, 8:00 pm

Watch as Nashville becomes the heart of the country music industry. The genre grows in popularity during the Great Depression and World War II as America falls in love with singing cowboys, Texas Swing and the Grand Ole Opry’s Roy Acuff.

The Sons and Daughters of America (1964 – 1968)

Sunday, Sept. 22, 8:00 pm

See how country music reflects a changing America, with Loretta Lynn speaking to women everywhere, Merle Haggard becoming “The Poet of the Common Man” and audiences looking beyond race to embrace Charley Pride.

Will the Circle Be Unbroken? (1968 – 1972)

Monday, Sept. 23, 8:00 pm

Learn how country music responds to a nation divided by the Vietnam War, as Army captain turned songwriter Kris Kristofferson sets a new lyrical standard, and artists like Bob Dylan and the Byrds find a recording home in Nashville.

Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’ (1984 – 1996)

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 8:00 pm

Learn how “New Traditionalists” like George Strait, Randy Travis and the Judds help country music stay true to its roots. Witness both the rise of superstar Garth Brooks and the return of an aging Johnny Cash to the industry he helped create.

MUSIC ROW: NASHVILLE’S MOST FAMOUS NEIGHBORHOOD tells the story of how a group of unremarkable bungalows became the heart of the country music industry, and led to Nashville’s title as Music City USA. Narrated by singer-songwriter Pam Tillis, the documentary focuses on the rise of the Grand Ole Opry and the subsequent opening of recording studios in the downtown area. It also looks at the beginning of Music Row and how it developed into a complete neighborhood housing the full spectrum of the music industry – from session musicians and recording engineers, to record labels and entertainment lawyers. Chronicled through vintage photos and archival footage, as well as interviews with a range of industry professionals and musicians, the hour-long film also recounts the establishment of Nashville’s musical community and reflects on what Music Row means today in the changing music business.

Legendary songwriter and producer David Foster has generated some of the world’s best known popular music. In celebration of his achievements, some of the biggest names in contemporary music gathered for this 2008 concert, including Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Peter Cetera, Celine Dion, Kenny G, Josh Groban, Blake Shelton, Boz Skaggs and others.

With participation from more than 20 of the original and current mission scientists, engineers and team members, this program tells captivating tales of one of humanity’s greatest achievements in space exploration. From supermarket aluminum foil added at the last minute to protect the craft from radiation, to the near disasters at launch, to the emergency maneuvers to fix a crucial frozen instrument platform, viewers get a sense of how difficult – and rewarding – space exploration can be. NASA’s epic Voyager missions, launched in 1977, revolutionized our understanding of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and their dazzling moons and rings. In 2012, Voyager 1 left our solar system and ushered humanity into the interstellar age.

Join hosts Joe Mantegna and Mary McCormack for the 30th anniversary live broadcast of America’s national night of remembrance from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jack Everly.

“One in a Million”
Students from Ewa Makai Middle School on O‘ahu feature two cancer survivors who battled with their diseases at a very early age: Lily Mallory, who was undergoing treatment for her cancer at the age of three, and Emi Robison, who was battling leukemia at the age of seven. The girls’ fathers discuss what it was like dealing with their daughters’ life-threatening illnesses at the time. Phil Mallory, Lily’s father, comments on how scary it was to know that the size of his daughter’s tumor indicated that her chances of survival were not very good. Emi’s father, Ryan Robison, created video games with superheroes who defeated cancer in order to help he and his daughter visualize beating the disease. Lily says the experience taught her that “if you really want something, you gotta work hard for it. Life is short, and you really have to do what you want before you don’t have enough time.”

Program

ALSO FEATURED

–Students from Lahaina Intermediate School on Maui profile a cross-fit instructor who helps students find their mojo.

–Students from Hilo High School on Hawai‘i Island show the proper way to conduct oneself at a job interview.

–Students from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama on O‘ahu show how high school students are discovering the joys of traditional film-based photography.

–Students from Waiākea High School on Hawai‘i Island profile a star athlete who faces his toughest opponent off the field: diabetes.

–Students from Kea‘au High School on Hawai‘i Island honor the memory of a beloved student who departed far too soon.

–Students from Ilima Intermediate School on O‘ahu show us how to make a traditional Maori dance implement.

–Students from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on Kaua‘i introduce us to a unique facility that uses friendship and personal bonds to help treat mental illnesses.

This episode of HIKI NŌ is hosted by students from Iao School in Wailuku, Maui.

Trace the life-story of Leonard Nimoy, featuring stories from his childhood in Boston, his early career in Hollywood, his big break-out role on the “Star Trek” series, to the remaining years of his life battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The film features interviews with his family and friends.